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Welding jobs/ "high tech" how to get? Where to look

01-01-2008, 07:40 PM

I have a question, I welded for a Major airline for 6 years, and have done UHV Welding, for the time being im working in a different field but do the shop welding as well, what i was wondering what kind/type of companys hire Tig welders that people might not think to look? Does anyone work in general avaition welding? I am slowly working into my own stuff but need to keep working for awhile yet, any ideas would be great! Thanks!

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I was driving down I-10 last year in south Louisiana and there was a place that built fire trucks. Out front they had a big sign that they were looking for tig welders. Makes sense I guess, piping, flanges etc,, Maybe something like that may work for you. Good Luck

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I have a question, I welded for a Major airline for 6 years, and have done UHV Welding, for the time being im working in a different field but do the shop welding as well, what i was wondering what kind/type of companys hire Tig welders that people might not think to look? Does anyone work in general avaition welding? I am slowly working into my own stuff but need to keep working for awhile yet, any ideas would be great! Thanks!

Well I work in general aviation welding,
Problem is....there isnt much welding in general aviation aircraft, at least not as much as one might think. Repair work carried out in shops will usually require you to be at least an A&P to do the welding. Now you can start your own business....but it might be slim unless you go into kit fabrication or antique restoration, and in the antique field you have to be able to do a lot more then weld...and it wont be TIG for the most part.
I know of 2 individuals that made it work.....aircraft exhaust system repair is big.....as are making components for kit aircraft...if your willing to do the homework....and take the risk.
What kind of qualifications and experience do you have, both school and real world on the following:

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Hey there jetmek and mako, thanks for the responce, jetmek up here in Mn we have a few places that do that type of stuff, that is a good thing to look at im sure. mako, yes i have heard there is not alot in general aviation but like you said the exhaust side there is alot, a year ago a guy that does exhaust offered me a job ..only trouble is i didnt think his set-up was the greatest...in his basement!! no ventilation and lots of fiber grinding/cutoff wheels!! i guess he wanted to keep his cars clean in the garage and didnt care much about the daycare his wife ran upstairs! i have approx 18 years TIG exp, 13 Mil-std aircraft certs and 2 ASME sec IX certs but NO A&P. Jetmek, i also remember awhile back you thought you might be able to go to the sheet metal shop at fed ex, that would be GREAT experience if you could get into engine sheet metal welding, let me know, thanks for the info guys!